Researchers from Jiangnan University in China have developed a groundbreaking 3D-printed silicone rubber lattice with dual functionality. This innovative material not only resists fungal growth in marine environments but also serves as an effective vibration isolator. The study, published in Advanced Composites and Hybrid Materials, showcases how additive manufacturing enables the creation of a composite ink with hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) that enhances antifungal properties while maintaining the necessary flexibility for cushioning applications. The key to this success lies in the precise control over composition and internal geometry, allowing the researchers to balance printability and performance. The lattice architecture, with its ordered filaments and stable interlayer bonding, plays a crucial role in both antifungal resistance and vibration isolation. The hBN filler increases surface hydrophobicity, making it harder for fungal spores to penetrate, while also causing biochemical and physical damage at the fungus-material interface. This dual action significantly reduces fungal growth. The lattice's cushioning properties are attributed to elastic buckling in the ordered cells, creating a near-zero-stiffness region that absorbs energy effectively. Vibration tests confirmed the lattice's ability to isolate vibrations, with efficiency varying depending on direction and temperature. This material has potential applications in shipborne equipment and other systems exposed to humidity, temperature variation, and persistent vibration, offering a unique solution to a materials trade-off that has limited earlier approaches.
